Week 35 in Manufacturing News

U.S. manufacturing activity rises; shortages linger; Supply issues in UK manufacturing push up prices; Germany August flash manufacturing PMI 62.7 vs 65.0 expected; Australian Manufacturing New Orders Slowed in August.

U.S. Manufacturing Activity Rises; Shortages Linger

The survey from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) on Wednesday continued to highlight persistent problems securing enough raw materials.

The ISM said its index of national factory activity inched up to 59.9 last month from a reading of 59.5 in July. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in manufacturing, which accounts for 11.9% of the U.S. economy. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the index falling to 58.6.

Source: Reuters.

Supply Issues in UK Manufacturing Push up Prices, Nonetheless Still Solid Gains

UK manufacturers continued to face rising constraints caused by supply chain issues. Shortages of inputs and delivery delays disrupted production schedules, leading to slower output growth, and also resulted in marked increases in input prices.

Companies nonetheless still achieved solid gains in output, new orders and employment. The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) fell to a five-month low of 60.3, a tick below July’s 60.4 but above the long-run average of 51.9.

Source: Yahoo News.

Germany August Flash Manufacturing PMI 62.7 vs 65.0 Expected

The German economy continues to grow strongly though there is a slight moderation from peak reopening conditions. The ongoing supply chain disruptions aren’t helping as manufacturing output hits a seven-month low.

But that is at least offset by more robust employment conditions, growing for an eighth straight month, as well as strong business confidence towards activity outlook.

Source: Forexlive.

Australian Manufacturing New Orders Slowed in August

The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index stood at 52.0 in August, down from 56.9 in July.

Amid the extension of mobility restrictions, including strict lockdown measures across various states, both manufacturing output and new orders declined for the first time in 14 months and at the fastest rates since May 2020.

Source: MarketWatch.